Pressure responsive device



Nov. 17, 1953 Filed June 17, 1948 R. K. MaCLEA, JR., Er AL 2,659,39()

PRESSURE RESPONSIVE DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet l ROBERT K.M- LEA J r Z HERBERT Z/EoLz INVENTORS IVAN A. GREENWOOD Jr.

New. 17, 1953 R. K. MaCLEA, JR., ET AL PRESSURE RESPONSIVE DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 17, 1948 RFF.

El E /4 ROBERT K. MELEA Jr.

f NAN A. qREENwoon Jr.

HERBERT ZlEoLz |NvENToRs ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 17, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PRESSURE RESPONSIVE DEVICE tion of New York Application June 17, 1948, Serial N0. 33,504

1 Claim. 1

The present invention relates to a differential pressure translating device for use in measuring or controlling pressure differentials.

When metering owing fluids by means of a primary device such as an oriiice, Venturi tube or Pitot tube, an instrument sensitive to the diiference oi two iluid pressures is required, capable of actuating a dial recorder or servo equipment to indicate, record, or control the fluid flow. Such an instrument is also adapted to indicate, record, or control liquid level and in general for operation on any two fluid pressures however derived, whether of two like or unlike fluids.

Such an instrument has a pressure-sensitive element, commonly a diaphragm or bellows or comcination thereof, together with restoring elements to oppose the differential fluid force, with the motion oi the diaphragm or bellows combination transmitted mechanically or electromecl'ianically to an indicating device such as a needle moving over a dial, or to recording or controlling equipment.

An object of the invention is to provide a defvice containing a protective, substantially incompressible liquid, which device is responsive to the diiierential between two pressures, such as for example, the differential between the pressures upstream and downstream with respect to an orice, nozzle or Venturi tube, the device being so constructed that if either pressure acts on the device alone without the other pressure acting in opposition thereto, the device will be adequately protected against destruction or permanent distortion, and will resist abusive conditions which would prevent an accurate reading being obtained when normal operating conditions should be resumed, but a device `which nevertheless is highiy sensitive to differentials in pressure even of very small magnitude. That is, in device sensitivity is not sacrificed in order lto insure against destruction or permadistorticn conditions of abuse.

in one preferred embodiment oi the invention two bellows are tast-cned on opposite sides oi a partition in a pressure chamber. The free end of one oi the bellows has a rod connected thereto which passes through the partition and carries discs which may serve as mechanical limits to bellows movement. The interiors of the kbellows are filled with a stable non-corrosive liquid and the limit discs, when either is in contact with the partition, also act as stop valves, seal- 2 ing the opening connecting the interiors of the bellows, trapping liquid Within the bellows and preventing damage to the one under higher pressure in case of excessive pressure. Restoring springs are provided internally between the bellows and the partition wall. rEhe bellows motion is communicated through a lever to an electrical transmitter in a second chamber, and the passage between the two chambers is sealed by a flexible diaphragm. The compartment containing the electrical transmitter is lled completely full of 'a substantially incompressible liquid. This will resist pressure communicated through the diaphragm from the pressure chamber, thus preventing damage to the diaphragm by excessive pressure, yet not inipeding the movement of the lever and diaphragm, and permitting thermal expansion of the liquid.

The electrical transmitter is preferably a transformer having an alternating current primary and two secondaries, one at each end, with an armature of a material having a relatively large magnetic permeability. The difference of the output voltages can then be made directly dependent on the position of the armature and this output difference therefore becomes a signal which may indicate in a directly proportional manner 'the numerical diiierence in the lluid pressures within the two parts of the pressure chamber. Of course those skilled in the art will appreciate that in place oi the described electrical transmitter any other type or" signal generator may be used. The may be interpreted by various means and may be utilized either to indicate the quantity being measured or through well-known control means such as ampliiers, servos and motors to maintain the measured quantity at a desired value. interpretaion and utilization ci these signals, however, form no part of the present invention.

Although the measurement oi diiierential pressure is used as an illustration, it is obvious that a single pressure alone can be measured as Well.

In another preferred embodiment the construction preserves the advantages of that just described, but utilizes the space within the bellows themselves for the electrical generator, thus eliminating the second chamber in the form previously described. The greater compactness thus achieved retains the safety feature of isolation of the electrical generator from possible corrosive eiects of the uid under measurement, and retains the hydraulic stop valves, preventing damage to the bellows by excessive unbalanced pressure. This construction has the further advantage of eliminating lever linkage between the sensitive element and the electrical generator, since the rod connected to one oi' the bellows heads internally can now itself carry the armature of the generator.

The exact nature of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l shows one form of the invention utilizing two diierential fluid pressure measuring bellows and an electrical signal generator connected by a lever.

Figures 2-4 inclusive, illustrate diiierent forms or electrical signal generator which may be utilized in the arrangements of the other figures.

Figure 5 shows a more compact construction than that of Fig. l, with the electrical signal generator inside the differential iiuid pressure measuring bellows.

Referring to Figure l, a pressure vessel Il 1s divided internally into two chambers I2 and I3 by a rigid partition I4, a bellows I6 being located in the chamber I2 and bellows Il in chainber I3. Each bellows is made of metal a few thousandths of an inch thick with corrugated walls and fastened as by soldering to partition I4 so as to form a liquid-tight joint. Each bellows also has at its end away from the partition a head, I9 and 2I, fastened in a liquid-tight manner to the corrugated body as by soldering. The rigid partition I4 contains an aperture i8 located within the interior bellows space and providing communication between the interiors of the two bellows. A rod or tube 22 is firmly fastened to bellows head 2I and extends into the interior of the bellows I6. This rod carries valve discs 23 and 24 at locations on each side of the central partition. They have a dual function. They serve as mechanical stops to limit the travel of the bellows assembly, and they serve as hydraulic valves seating against the partition I4, the edges of aperture IB being appropriately shaped to serve as liquid-tight valve seats. The interior of the bellows assembly is iilled with an incompressible, non-corrosive highly fluid liquid, such as transformer oil. In applications where the device is required to endure relatively high temperatures, a special liquid may be employed such as a silicone, a specially treated petroleum product, or the like. Filler plug 2B is for filling the interiors of the bellows with the liquid. The functions of the liquid are to prevent collapse or overstrain of the bellows by external iiuid pressure and to compel the two bellows to move as a single assembly.

The bellows assembly and the rod 22 are centered at zero position by a pair of compression springs l and 28 which also act to present a force opposing the differential force which is proportional to displacement. The spring 1 has one end abutting against the wall of the partition I4 and the other against the head 2I of the bellows Il so that the bellows assembly is urged toward the right by the direct pressure of this spring eX- erted on the head 2I, the bellows IE being constrained to follow any movement of the bellows I'I by reason of the incompressible liquid iilling of the bellows assembly.

The spring 28 while having one end abutting against the wall of the partition I4 is wholly free of engagement with the bellows I6 for reasons as will appear more fully hereinafter. Instead of engaging the bellows I6 the end of the spring 28 remote from the partition UI engages an enlarged end portion affixed to the rod 22. The orce exerted by spring 28, therefore, which tends to urge the bellows assembly toward the left acts through the rod 22 against the bellows Il and the bellows I is constrained to move with the bellows i' by reason oi the incompressible fluid filling of the bellows assembly.

An extension ci rod 22 or a separate similar rod outside of and 'beyond one of the bellows heads 2l is pivoted by a pin 35 to a lever 8, which has a fixed fuicrum 25 on the frame or chamber wall. The other end of the lever is pivoted by a pin IQ to electric signal generator actuating rod 2e, which actuates electric signal generator 3i within signal generator chamber Sil. The latter is completely oil-tight and filled with oil through filler plug 9. The aperture where lever Ei passes from chamber I3 to chamber 3B is made oil-tight by a diaphragm 34, arranged to move with movement of lever 8. Electric signal generator leads 38 are brought through the wall of chamber 33 by means oi a simple pressure-tight insulating Afitting. Since these leads, carrying the electrical signal representing the diierential pressure, are stationary, this construction is conventional and is easily made permanently leakprooi against any desired operating pressure.

The electric signal generator 3I may be any one of several. types. Figure 2 illustrates one type with a possible indicating circuit shown schematically as an aid to understanding its operation. The electric signal generator actuating rod 25 carries a powdered iron armature 32 movable axially within sliding bearing t3 inside a solenoid carrying primary winding 37 and two secondary 'windings and 39. The secondary windings are spaced axially with respect to each other and the primary 3l occupies the space between these windings. The armature 32 has a length in excess of the length of the primary il? so that in its medial position the armature 32 extends some distance into the cores oi secondary windings 38 and 39. The primary 31 is continuously energized by alternating current of, for example, (i6-cycle frequency, as diagrammatically illustrated by the terminals 30, and voltages induced in the secondaries are functions of the armature position, the difference in these voltages constituting a substantially proportional indication of the position or the armature 32. The voltages may be amplified and subtracted by a dilerential ampliiier 4I and the difference used to actuate a milliammeter ft2, connected to the output of the amplifier 4I and which can be calibrated to read directly in terms of the flow rate, pressure, or differential pressure being measured.

The same result can be accomplished using variation of capacitance instead oi. electromagnetic induction. Figui-e 3 illustrates one manner in which this might be accomplished. As described in connection with Figs. i and 2 the electric signal generator Si is actuated by rod 20. The latter is movable axially in sliding bearing 44 and carries a disc Ring carried by the frame forms with disc ii two plates ci a condenser. The disc 5 may be grounded on rod 2:3 while the ring 5l is insulated by insulators The electrostatic capacity of this condenser varies with the distance between the disc and ring, and is measured by capacity bridge 40 and indicating meter 42.

The reading oi the latter is dependent on the capacity of the condenser, which in turn is dependent on the position of rod 29 and on the quantity under measurement, so that the meter may be calibrated in terms of differential pressure or other quantity being measured.

The same result can also be accomplished as shown in Fig. e, using a variation of the electrical signal generator tl which is actuated by rod 29 moving axially as before but wherein the latter operates a movable contact Bil on a variable resistor 5. The resistance included between one end of the resistor and the movable contact is measured by any resistance-sensitive device such as a Wheatstone bridge 50, whose galvanometer may be calibrated if desired in terms of the quantity under measurement.

As an aid in understanding the operation of this invention let it be supposed that the difference between the pressures in two steam lines is to be measured with accuracy, each carrying a maximum of 650 pounds per square inch pressure, and that momentarily one carries a pressure of 650 pounds per square inch and is connected through nipple 2l, Fig. 1, to chamber I 3 for measurement, and that the other carries a pressure of 649 pounds per square inch, and is connected through nipple 26 to chamber I2 for measurement. The bellows assembly and rod 22 will then move toward the left through the action of the incompressible fluid. contained therein until the added force of compression of spring 1 balanced against the reduced force of compression of spring 2B just counter-balances the one pound excess of pressure in chamber i3 over that in chamber I2, at which point movement stops. This movement, communicated through lever S, causes signal rod 29 to be displaced. Let it be supposed that the electromagnetic system of Fig. 2 be used; then the rod 29 displaces the armature 32 from its neutral position and increases the reactance of one secondary coil while at the same time decreasing the reactance of the other. The input of the ampliier 4I is thereby unbalanced in one direction or the other and this unbalance is translated into an appropriate reading on the milliammeter 42 connected in the ampliiier output. The pressure of o pounds per square inch in chamber I3, although producing that pressure within the lightly-constructed diaphragm 23d, doesnot rupture or otherwise deiorm it because the chamber 33 on the other side of the diaphragm islled with a substantially incompressible iiquid of any suitable type which supports the diaphragm and develops a resistive pressure of 650 pounds per square inch exactly equal to that in chamber I3, preventing any substantial strain on the diaphragm.

In the event that an overload is placed on the device either by a relatively great decrease in the pressure in one chamber with respect to the other or conversely an undue increase in one as respects the other, the increased difference in Dressure acting on the bellows I6 and I7 might become so great as to injure or destroy the mechanism. The hydraulic valves and stops 23 and 24 and the duid lling of the interior of the bellows assembly, however, prevent injury in case of such overload and permit the use of a delicate sensitive measuring device, while at the same time providing an apparatus which is rugged and capable of standing harsh treatment.

Suppose for example, due to carelessness, im-

proper operation, or some other reason the pressure in chamber l2 were suddenly decreased t0 zero while the pressure in chamber I3 remained at 650 pounds per square inch. The difference in pressure which would act on the bellows assembly would then be 650 pounds per square inch, which would be suilicient to destroy even the most rugged device of this nature, let alone one delicate enough to measure a dilerential pressure of a pound or less. When, however, this untoward event occurs in the device of this invention this great diiierence in pressure will cause the bellows I6 and Il to move to the left to such an extent that the valve 24 seats on the valve seat I8, preventing further motion of the assembly and also sealing the orice I8 preventing any further ow of fluid from the interior of the bellows I 'i into the interior of the bellows I6. .Further movement of the bellows I1 is then rendered. impossible because the engagement of the valve stop 2li by the partition I4 seals the orifice i8 and the incompressible uuid completely lling the interior of bellows I7 is trapped therein supplying a pressure force which is equal in all directions and counteracts the external pressure imposed by the pressure of the fluid in chamber I3. The walls oi the bellows I 'I are, therefore, supported by this trapped huid and they cannot be collapsed, distorted or otherwise deformed by the undue diierence in pressure.

Ii the overload occurs in the opposite direction either because ci an undue drop in pressure in the chamber I3 or an undue relative increase in pressure in chamber Is, it will be readily apparent that a similar action takes place but in the opposite direction. in such an instance the incompressible duid will act as the motive force which moves the entire bellows assembly and hence rod d2 to the right until the valve stop 23 engages the partition le. When this engagement occurs further liquid rlow between the interiors of bellows I5 and il is prevented by the sealing of the oriiice and the trapped fluid remaining in the interior of the bellows it acts as a support therefor, preventing its deformation or destruction, since regardless of the absolute pressures in chambers i2 and I3 the incompressible liquid completely filling the bellows it and I'I acts as a counterforce which supports the walls of these delicate ele= ments at all times.

The construction shown in Fig.' 1 provides for automatic compensation for variations in teniperature of the liquid lling the bellows, whether caused by changes in ambient temperature or by changes in the temperatures of either or both actuating fluids surrounding the bellows. Ac curacy of the device will thus be unaffected by temperature changes. The position of actuating rod 22 is controlled by calibrated compression spring in opposition to calibrated compression spring 28. This rod is connected to head 2i while head' I9 is free of metallic connection to the rod. Thermal expansion or contraction of the liquid within the bellows will therefore move bellows head I9 and not bellows head 2I, since the spring constant of the material of bellows It is made small compared with the spring constant of spring 'i or 28 plus bellows I1. However, no matter what the temperature and the resulting position of bellows head iS, the interior space being completely filled with incompressible liquid any excess of actuating pressure on head It overthat on head 2I will be perfectly communi-l cated by hydraulic transmission through the internal lling liquid from head I9 to head 2I, thereby moving head I 9 andy of necessity also head 2l, and with the latter actuating rod 22,`

resulting in motion of rod 29 and production of a. signal by generator 3|, and the amount of this signal will thus be independent of any temperature variations.

In Fig. another and somewhat more compact embodiment of the invention is disclosed wherein the signal generator is enclosed within the differential bellows assembly itself.

As in the case of the form of the invention. disclosed in Fig. 1 two bellows IG and I1 extend on opposite sides of a partition I4 which separates a pressure vessel II into two chambers I2and I3.

Internal springs 1 and 2B serve to center the assembly in its neutral position, the spring 1 engaging the partition I4 and bellows head 2l, and the spring 28 applying its force between the partition I4 and the plate 32 aiiixed to the rod 22. A nipple 26 serves as the communicating port of the portion I2 for application of pressure to this part of the chamber, and a nipple 21 serves the same purpose for the portion I3 oi' the pressure chamber II. The partition Ill is provided with an extension I5 extending toward one end of the chamber II and completely within the bellows I6 and this extension is provided with a wall I5' which is closed except for an orifice 49 serving as valve seat. The rod 22 rigidly fastened at one end to the head 2I of the bellows I1 is provided intermediate its length with an enlarged portion 5I which extends slightly beyond the wall l5. The enlarged por tion 5I is provided with valve discs 52 and 553 located on either side of the orifice 49 in the end wall I5 of the extension I5 cn the partition I4 so that undue movement of the bellows as sembly in either direction is prevented by the closing of the communicating orice 4s between the bellows I6 and I1.

A liquid completely fills the bellows assembly and may be introduced through a filling plug such as 55. It also completely permeates the space occupied by the signal generator and this liquid may be of any suitable incompressible, highly uid, non-corrosive, non-gumming composition. Its function is to connect the two bei-- lows heads I9 and 2I with each other hydraulically and also to protect the bellows assembly from injury when undue differential pressures are-applied thereto. This liquid also acts as a lubricant and protectionl for the moving parte of the signal generator.

An electrical signal generator 3i, which may be one of the types disclosed in Figs. 2, 3 or 4 or any other suitable mechanism is rigidly fastened tothe partition and wholly contained within the compartment formed by the bellows I1 and extension I5 of the partition I4, the extension I5 providing the increased volumetric capacity necessary for the inclusion of the signal generator within the bellows assembly.

The rod 22 constitutes the actuating element of the signal generator and may carry a mag-- netic core when a signal generator of the form disclosed in Fig. 2 is used; may carry a movable condenser element when a signal generator of the form disclosed in Fig. 3l is used; or may carry a movable contact when a signal generator of the form described in Fig, 4 is used.

By this arrangement no great difculties in sealing the unit are encountered. since the bel*` lows assembly and signal generator are contained in, one` compact sealed unit and no mechanical movement need be communicated from this assembly to any mechanism located outside of this sealed unit. Indeed the only communication from this unit to any outside element is by way of the electrical connecting leads 55 which since they are non-moving elements may be passed through a small drilled passage in the partition I4 and the passage sealed in any desired manner, non-moving parts being much more easily and efficiently sealed against high pressures than moving parts which require stuffing glands and the like.

The operation of the device of Fig. 5 is similar in mode and principle to that described in connection with Fig. l and no extended description is necessary. Suffice it to say that, a difference in pressures in portions I2 and I3 of the charm ber II introduced through nipples 26 and 2l will cause the bellows assembly to move in one direction or the other, resulting in a movement oi the rod 22 in one or the other direction and thus altering the output of the signal generator 3|, which change in output may be indicated on a suitable meter or used to actuate any desired control or the like. Likewise when an overload is placed on the assembly one or the other of valve discs 52 or 53 will seat and seal the orice 69 from a flow of liquid between the bellows compartments, trapping the incompressible liquid in the bellows compartment so that the bellows element is supported throughout its surface by an equal and opposite pressure preventing the destruction or injury thereof.

n constru tion employed for inherent auto matic temperature compensation similar to that described in connection with Fig. 1. The position ci the generator and rod 22 is controlled at any specific differential pressure by springs 1 and 28 acting 'through rod 22 on head 2l, while head i9 is free to expand or contract in obedience to the thermal expansion or contraction of the liquid completely filling the interiors of the bellows, without communication of the thermal motion to head 2l. However, any diierential pressure ex erted on head I9 by the surrounding actuating 'duid in chamber I2 will result in motion which will be hydraulically communicated to head 2I and thence by mechanical connection to generator 3l.

What is claimed is:

.A differential pressure device of the 'type described comprising, means for providing two enclosing chambers separated from each other by a partition, an axially expansible chamber member in. each of said two enclosing chambers, said expansiole chamber members being axially aligned and having their adjacent ends anchored and sealed to said partition with their opposite ends i'ree to move under the influence of pressure in enclosing chambers, said expansible chamber members being in communication with each other through an orifice in said partition and being iilied vith a ncn-coinpressible iluid, and valve means adapted to seat on valve seats on the opposite sides of said partition to close said aperture when the differential pressure to which bellows are subjected exceeds a predetermined amount, resilient means biasing said valve means to a normal position, and means operative ly connected only and directly to one of said expansible chamber members i'or moving said valve means, with said other expansible chamber member being free to move independently oi the iirst expansible chamber members in response to exparisien and contraction oi said non-compressible iiuid, and utilization means responsiveto movement of said Valve means in accordance with the differential of said pressures.

ROBERT K. MACLEA, J R. IVAN A. GREENWOOD, JR. HERBERT ZIEBOLZ.

Number Name Date Collinson Sept. 11, 191'? Fetyko Oct. 27, 1936 Petroe Jan. 11, 1938 Number Numbei l0 133,056 389,157 264,873

Name Date Hofer Mar. 1'7, 1942 Neff Oct. 31, 1944 Jones May 7, 1946 Jones Mar. 25, 1952 McKnight, J1' Apr. 22, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Dec, 15, 1920 Germany Feb, 1, 1924 Great Britain June 23, 1927 

